#i needed this validation

[emotionaldepravity]

Just wanted to say that hearing Frank Welker as Megatron again makes me realize that I should have included tfp Megsy in that list of my tf favs because wow I am a sucker for that voice. 

[frangipanidownunder]

Um, guys...

I learnt last week that a story of mine was Highly Commended in a major writing prize here in  Australia. There were 6 stories shortlisted out of 900 entries. When I got the call, it was such a boost to my confidence. But then I remembered who the judges were: Quentin Bryce, a former governor general of Australia, Kate Grenville, one of Australia’s leading authors (The Secret River is an iconic novel here) and CATE BLANCHETT.  Seriously. She read my story. She thought it was good enough to get a prize. I. AM. DEAD. 

There will be an anthology of all the awarded stories that will be launched in Melbourne later this year. Eeek! I wrote the story on a train back from the city and it was one of those that just fell out of my mind onto the page. I knew it was strong, but I never believed it would do well in such a significant competition.

But there’s more.

Yesterday, I found out that, through the same prize, I have been awarded a scholarship of $5000 to help advance my writing.

Knowing that Cate Blanchett has read my story is a win, in and of itself. The anthology is super cool. But the scholarship is next level.